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Penn Squall Star Drag Reels Review

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Penn Squall Star Drag Reels
Penn Squall Star Drag Reels

Lightweight graphite frameMachined and anodized aluminum spoolExternally adjustable magnetic casting brake on models SQL12 and SQL15 onlyHigh-strength marine grade bronze alloy main gearQuick high-speed gear ratioPrecision-machined stainless steel pinion gearLive spindle with free floating spoolPate...ned Versa-Drag system allows for multiple drag settings for various fishing conditionsShielded stainless steel ball bearingsHT-100 drag washers provide smooth drag under heavy loadsStainless steel reel standCounter-balanced handle with oversized paddle knob

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Fishing Critic Score

Hockey Review Rating 84%
15 Reviews
Popularity: 12904
MSRP:
$149.95
Used Price:
$104.97
Sale Price:
$134.96

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Specifications
Brand Penn
Category Reels
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Penn Squall Star Drag Reels Reviews

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Amazing

Matthew
3 years ago

Great reel for the price it sold at.

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A good choice !

Bikash S.
5 years ago

Light, small, smooth but a tough reel ... no doubt that this will last long like other Penn. Magnetic cast control expands versatility. Clicker sounds quite loud which I like the most. Using it with 7.5 and 8 feet MH Tica & Daiwa rod fulfil the match. Going to test it with Ugly stick catfish rod in river soon.

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Penn!!!

EDWARD
6 years ago

Hope this reel is as good as my other ones

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Solid reel

James T.
6 years ago

I own several of these reels and they are great for New England bottom fishing. They run smooth and in the years I have owned them I have never had a problem.

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Not that impressive

Cliff
8 years ago

Just took this reel out for the first time. The good: Freespool is decent. Drag is good. Casts pretty good. I got this on sale, so that is a good point.
The bad: The knob has sharp edges where it connects to the handle. Very uncomfortable. The clutch engage lever is cheesy. The clicker is cheesy and sometimes when engaged won't let the spool spin without a lot of force.… read more Overall, I would not recommend.

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Compact, powerful and reliable.

Joe S.
9 years ago

I run a charter business out of southern Delaware and have always been a believer in Penn products. The newest addition to my arsenal was the Penn squall and I love it, it's light, powerful and quiet operation. I've been using it for deep water flounder fishing on the Old Grounds and have had great success with it. The HT 100 drag is unbeatable.

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The Penn Squall 15

David H.
9 years ago

I bought this reel from Tackle Direct who's service has always been great..Will it cast far? Yes it will..bottom line..The Handle sits too far to the right of the reel creating an uncomfortable imbalance when reeling in a fish..the rod wants to rock back and forth with every turn of the handle..this is a pain because not having a level wind, you are busy already guiding the line… read more back on the reel with your thumb..second problem...the clicker after 1 year is already shot..it wants to stay engaged all the time..when I took it apart to inspect the problem I witnessed the worst clicker design I have ever seen on a bait casting reel..I'm not even going to bother to replace it because it is simply junk..I'm going to take the clicker which I depend on out of the reel and just keep the rod locked down..I also got a Spinfisher V about the same age that's giving me problems..after 1 year of use and $300 spent between the 2 reels, I shouldn't be having any problems..thats why I spend money and refuse to buy cheap junk is because I don't want these problems..all I can say is I'm done with Penn and my trusty Abus are still going strong after years of service

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Excellent Reel! Ready to cast long distances without tunning it!

Juan D.
10 years ago

I've purchased 2 and totally satisfied.

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Penn Squal

Robert
10 years ago

I've been using this reel for 4 years now and not a complaint. The magnetic adjustment is very nice to have also. As this being my first conventional reel the mag system really help getting used to casting a conventional reel. This thing strung up the 40lb braid has brought in everything from large flounder to 150lb brow sharks.

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Let the battle begin

Jerry
10 years ago

I have two 15 squall star drag they are best casting reel that you need

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Compact Powerhorse.

Viv
10 years ago

Casts beautifully. Compact and light, but strong and very durable. Good for spinning repeatedly or throwing bait. Large handle makes retrieving easy. Good, smooth drag. Would buy again.

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Penn SQL25N PROS & CONS

Jim
11 years ago

Bought reel from TackleDirect and very pleased with the punctual delivery and price.

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A great reel to learn to surf cast with.

Wayne
11 years ago

I read a lot about this reel on a few forums before purchasing. They were dead on. The magnetic brake allows a beginner to get a feel for the gear without creating massive nests. As you get comfortable you can start tuning down the brake and increasing your casting distance. The redfish did not have a chance.

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Great surfcast reel

Hong G.
11 years ago

rugged & durable design, this is one for the hardcore surf angler!

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Penn Squall 12

Mike
12 years ago

Extremely easy to cast for an overhead reel. Set the mag control and all you need to do is stop it spinning at the end of the cast. Very quiet and smooth. Ikmprove my casting distance by 30mtrs

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Penn Squall Star Drag Reels Questions and Answers

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Asked by Jack McKay 4 years ago

How would this reel do vertical jigging 

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Rebecca Redington 4 years ago

This reel will work. 

Asked by ivanwang 9 years ago

you have left hand of this reel

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David 9 years ago

If you wanted this reel in a left hand model, you would have to get it with the level wind feature. Here is a link to an example of a left hand model. Notice it says "LH" at the end of the model number. That means that it is a left handed model. http://w

Asked by steve jackson 9 years ago

Is the squall15 the same as 525mag and is it made in the usa

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Frank 9 years ago

Steve, the 525 Mag and the Squall 15 are right about the same size. The Squall is produced in China.

Asked by aaron 10 years ago

Is this a good reel for wahoo and king fish trolling and bottom fishing ??

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Customer Service 9 years ago

It will work, but we suggest going with a lever drag, 2 speed (PEN-1193) instead. Lever drag is better for trolling and the 2 speed will help lift the bottom species.

Asked by Aaron 10 years ago

is this a good reel for wahoo king fish and bottom fishing??

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Customer Service 9 years ago

It is ok. We suggest going with the lever drag, 2 speed Squall (PEN-1193) instead. It is a better trolling reel for the Wahoo and the 2 speed will give you more lifting power when bottom fishing.

Asked by thomas newton 11 years ago

how diffucult is it to remove the spool and clean the bearings?

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Customer Service 11 years ago

We recommend you send the reel to Penn to have this done. Schematics of the reels can be viewed at www.Pennreels.com

Asked by Ferdinand 12 years ago

Hey Tackle Direct! Are the only reels with the magnetic cast control in the Squall line are the Squall 12 & 15?

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Asked by Az 12 years ago

Is this reel made in US? and is the mag control by dial, switch or knob?

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Customer Service 12 years ago

The Squall is made in China and the magnetic casting brake is an adjustable dial.

Asked by Pete B 12 years ago

Is it necessary to put any kind of backing on the spool of a squall 15 before spooling with braid?

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Customer Service 12 years ago

You always want to make sure when spooling braided line on a reel that it does not slip on the spool. You can either apply tape or a little bit of mono backing before loading up with braided line.